Lately I have been thinking about my unconventional view on the benefits of being a mom. The items on my favorite-reasons-for-being-a-mom list shift in level of importance, but the list essentially stays the same. I might be unconventional in my thoughts on being a mom, but at least I am consistent. The reason for my contemplation is simple. I have been totally focused on what is Reason #1 on my list right now: game playing.
The obsession focus this week with the kids has been on playing games. More specifically, Rummikub. We were introduced to this game last week while on vacation with friends. After driving home from our trip on Friday, I unloaded the car and then forced the kids back in the car so we could go to Target. I had to have this game. Immediately.
And so the obsession quality time with the children began. How bad has it become? Well, let’s just say I told my daughter I would kick in an extra $1 to her allowance this week if she played anytime I asked one day. I had to do this because she told me she was tired of playing the game. This was not acceptable so I had to resort to cash, quietly slipping money under the table when her brother was not looking. He is still young and innocent, happy to have “mommy time.” Monkey has no problem playing Rummikub at 7 a.m.
I did mention I have an unconventional list, right?
Here’s my Top 5 Reasons I Love Being a Mom:
- Playing games.
- Another outlet for baseball obsession (Monkey plays 2 seasons a year and I get to keep team stats).
- Coloring and craft buddies as roommates.
- Excuse to buy and build Lego sets.
- Water balloon fights.
In preparing for this post, I did some research. I wanted to see where I fit in with other mothers when it came to listing out the reasons to love motherhood. The Diaper Diaries wrote a post about the top 10 reasons she loves being a mom. It’s a cute list.
Here are a few entries to the list:
- Listening to my girls giggle through the monitor.
- A heartfelt “sorry” after they mess up.
- Watching 2 little girls kiss a belly and tell a sibling they have never met how much they love him/her.
Yeah, that’s cute. Really cute.
Then there is 1000 Reasons I am a Crap Mom.
Here are a few from her list:
- My blog is more important than my son.
- I tell my child I will exchange him for another.
- My children eat off the floor.
As a mom, I fall somewhere between Diaper Diaries and Crap Mom. Actually, I probably tend to lean towards Crap Mom. WAYYYY over towards Crap Mom. At least my kids don’t suck on the grocery cart handle like Crap Mom’s son. Well, but my kids are 7 and 10. That would probably be a bit weird if they still ever sucked on the handle.
What about you?
Do you have any unconventional reasons?
Share below!
Comments
29 responses to “5 Reasons I Love Being a Mom (hint: Rummikub)”
Don’t brag too much, lady: I bet they at least give it a quick lick behind your back!
Now you inspired ME – at some point this week I’ll write about my top reason why I love being a mom. And you know it won’t be cute.
So glad I can return the favor and be a fabulous muse (am assuming you are thinking “fabulous” in describing me). I can’t wait to see YOUR list.
Fah-bulous, ma dear, fah-bulous!
umm…please put “obsession” back it is appropriate in any dialog regarding you and games!
We don’t have to share that with everyone Jen! Family secrets should be kept a secret.
Ok, I take it back ;)
PS – I need to check out this game and master it so I can beat you when I see you!
Having children brought people into my life who are biologically required to love me. And I get to boss them around.
Just kidding.
My kids are older. Being a mom means watching in awe as they become the people they will be. Watching them learn. Watching them reach out to others. Watching them make difficult choices and choose their own direction.
There are so many cool things about being a mom. And they just keep coming.
There must be a lot of rewards in being a mom or none of us would be foolish enough to sign up for a tough job like this.
I agree!
I just got in a yelling match with my 6 1/2 yo about the proper volume for the CD she is listening to. And I have been celebrating the fact all week that my kids are in VBS so that I can have some peace and quiet already. Feel better? ;)
Oh, I do. Ofthesea will too! Actually, she will revel in it. She’s like that.
Hey, just because I take pride in being a crap mom doesn’t mean that I encourage crap-momhood in others!
…I just encourage them to admit it.
Stand your ground on those volume issues, Diaper Diaries! Today it’s High School Musical, tomorrow it may be Cannibal Corpse. Or worse, Britney Spears.
I LOVE Rummikub, too. It’s addictive.
I’m inspired by your list and those you linked to. Just might have to make my own lists. I think we’re all a little bit crap mom with a whole lot of love mom thrown in!
Aw, I love this post! It’s all warm and fuzzy. ;)
I love seeing how strong I’ve made my girls. While they have their hurt feelings and meltdowns, they handle them very well! I hope it stays that way (especially after I move them 3000 miles away from their dad in just 10 days – yikes!). But they’re very strong!
Of course, being strong can also lead to being stubborn. When stubborness comes into play, it can definitely lead to a battle of wills. Of course, I always win. I have to. They have no choice. *flex*
Another reason: When they grow up, you can see your successes, up close and personal! SITS sent me by, and I’m glad they did…
An Acquired Taste
My mom always made me play scrabble with her. When I got old enough to refuse, she bet us money a few times to the winner. That always worked.
[…] When asked about why they love being a mother, some say it's for the kisses and some say it's for the cuddles. Some moms love having a purpose in life, or enjoy feeling indispensable for someone else. I even know one whose greatest love of motherhood stems from having opponents for Rummikub. […]
This was such a beautiful topic. I think of this all day, but never thought to speak it out loud.
I love being a mom b /c my life began with my children. The end of it.
Fantastic. Thank you for this.
“Coloring and craft buddies as roommates.”
LOL. Love it.
No kids as of yet, but having coloring and craft buddies as roommates is the #1 thing I look forward to.
I have kids so that someone will tell me when my shirt’s on backwards and I have spinach in my teeth.
Those are good reasons too Grace!
I’m not a mom (unless the 4-legged variety counts) but I LOVE games. We have friends over once or twice a month for game night. But don’t ever try to play Rummikub with 5 people. One person was stuck with an ice cube tray for their pieces and didn’t appreciate the handicap (me as hostess being nice, but won’t do again).
You might try Bananagrams, too. It’s Scrabble-like, but way more fun because you each work on your own board and can rearrange the tiles. I hated Scrabble, but love Bananagrams. Your kids may not be quite old enough, but keep it in mind for the future.
Stephanie~ I have seen Banangrams, but not bought it yet. My daughter is old enough to play it. I can’t wait to try that game too!
Just don’t do like my mother did. She was helping my 12 yr old brother and spelling out, um, less than nice words to use up his tiles. He thought the game was lots of fun after that! :)
Oh no! (:
I also love to play games, and join in at Stephanie’s as often as possible. :) My Kids are all grown, and I have also shared my love of games with them when they were growing up. My daughter and I have fierce Scrabble battles, and love a game called Apples to Apples, which Steph introduced us to. You and your kids would probably love it too. Now I am teaching the grandkids a thing or two….only the 6 yr old granddaughter can kick my tail at memory. Menopause has short-circuited my memory :). Love the post, you have given me an idea for a post of my own too! :) Thanks! Angela
Angela~ I love games so the addition of children in my life has helped with my game obsession. We have Apples to Apples and love it. My daughter can beat me consistently at Uno, which is frustrating so I understand!
My son and I always play hide and seek and sometimes we plays xbox. Anyway thinking your game rummikub would be interesting if I add it into our game plan. Thanks for sharing.
I am not a mom, but I love hanging out with my nephew because it’s acceptable to watch cartoons and play with legos.
I don’t like to play games. And I hate that. Life would be more fun if I did. Looking into Rummiwhatever.